Used primarily in biochemical research to study enzyme inhibition, particularly in relation to phenylalanine metabolism. It serves as a competitive inhibitor for enzymes like phenylalanine hydroxylase, aiding in the investigation of metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU). Additionally, it is employed in the synthesis of modified peptides and proteins for pharmaceutical studies, helping to explore structure-activity relationships. Its role in inhibiting aromatic amino acid decarboxylase also makes it valuable in neurological research, particularly in understanding neurotransmitter regulation.